Postdoctoral Researcher

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral fellowship in mechanisms of lung injury and repair in the laboratory of Dr. Zea Borok in the Department of Medicine (http://med.ucsd.edu) and the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine (http://pulmonary.ucsd.edu). Dr. Borok’s laboratory has a focus on understanding the biology of alveolar epithelial cells lining the gas exchange surface of the distal lung and the roles these cells play in maintaining normal alveolar homeostasis, as well as in the response to acute and chronic lung injury. In particular, we focus on understanding transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms regulating lung stem cell function and differentiation using complementary approaches in mouse models, human tissue and induced pluripotent stem cells. We are seeking a trainee to work on an exciting project to elucidate the molecular mechanisms regulating AEC differentiation and cell plasticity in claudin 18 knockout mice. There is ample opportunity for academic growth, multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary collaboration, and clear pathways to independence. UC San Diego is an equal opportunity employer with a mission to promote diversity in academics and is a renowned biomedical research institution with vast opportunities for unique collaborations within the institution as well as with neighboring institutes including Salk, Scripps, and La Jolla Institute (LJI). About Dr. Borok’s laboratory: Dr. Zea Borok is Professor of Medicine and Chair of the Department of Medicine. Her studies have led to high impact publications defining the regulation of differentiation of alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) as well as lung progenitor cells, and the role of AECs in the development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. A postdoctoral fellow would rapidly acquire training in novel methods to uncover mechanisms of human and mouse lung epithelial cell function and differentiation in normal maintenance and in response to lung injury and would work with in vitro, ex vivo and mouse models as well as human lung samples. Dr. Borok has a passion for mentorship and would provide a clear path for independence of the postdoctoral fellow. The successful applicant would be encouraged to apply for mentored funding opportunities. Applicants should have a PhD in a relevant discipline. Salary will be commensurate with qualification and experience. Preferred Qualifications: Commitment to mentoring and research training service to build an equitable and diverse scholarly environment. Enthusiastic and self-driven individuals with demonstrated productivity and collaborative characteristics. Experience in pulmonary biology, molecular signaling and pathway analysis, and transcriptomics analysis preferred. Experience with mouse models and injury models is preferred. Should have excellent written and oral communication skills. Preferred candidate will have flexibility to accommodate experiments and grant deadlines and will be willing to learn and develop new skills. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit a cover letter, their CV, statement of research, and at least two names of potential referees. For further information, please contact Brian Scott (btscott@health.ucsd.edu).